It is difficult to expect that selectors would ring in changes when an Indian cricket team wins a series 3-0 on Australian soil which is precisely the reason why Pawan Negi is “pleasantly surprised” after knowing about his selection for the T20 series against Sri lanka.
“I will not say that I am shocked as I have been performing well in the limited-overs format. But it would be wrong to say that I am not surprised as I did not expect to get a chance in a squad which has won a T20 series 3-0. Now that I am in the team, I would like to make full use of the opportunity if I happen to get a game,” the diminutive left-arm spin bowling all-rounder said on Monday.
Ask him about what has been the turning point of his career, he replied: “It has to be my performance in the 2014 Champions league T20 final against Kolkata Knight Riders where I got five wickets. A Man of the match award in a match with all international players around, it gave self belief that I can play for India.
“Not to forget the kind of support that Mahendra Singh Dhoni provided. He once told me that at this level, the main criteria would be ability to do well consistently,” he said.
In fact, Dhoni had summoned Negi a few months back in Delhi when he wanted to hit a few balls.
“When you get a supportive captain who tells you not to be frightened after being hit for six, your confidence automatically increases. In the Chennai Super Kings dressing room, Dhoni bhai would tell me exactly what his plan was for a particular batsman. I believe post my stint with CSK, my clarity about my own bowling has increased.”